Darth Vader (2020) #25 - Comic Review

While attempting to weed out every Imperial who is working with Crimson Dawn, the Dark Lord came across Wald and Kitster, people from Anakin’s past, who were under rule from Imperial governor Tauntaza. Tauntaza has been revealed to be working with Crimson Dawn on some sort of weapon while also making the lives of her citizens a living hell. After escaping the clutches of the Empire, the events of Darth Vader (2020) #25 find Tauntaza on the run from Vader himself as he hunts her down through every obstacle she can throw at him. At the same time, Sabé is trying to figure out just what Tauntaza was doing on the planet, and what her long term plans were for Crimson Dawn.

Writer Greg Pak continues his current story arc in Darth Vader (2020) #25 as we find Vader getting more and more intense and less willing to beat around the bush, so to speak, when it comes to getting what he wants. This issue is exciting and action packed, but the dialogue really nails just how fun it is. The bickering between Sabé and Ochi of Bestoon is hilarious, as well as Sabé’s absolute control over the entire situation. There’s also a few moments of humor, mostly with Ochi as usual, but my favorite has to be with a specific comment Vader makes about battling sand.

The visual artistic team for Darth Vader (2020) #25 consists of artist Raffaele Ienco, colorist Carlos Lopez, and letterer VC’s Joe Caramagna. Let me just say that while Ienco’s art is incredible, as always, this issue absolutely shines with Lopez’s colors. I had to put this issue down on page two and just stare at the beautiful work he has done with Vader deflecting an explosion with his lightsaber. It was absolutely breathtaking and only the beginning of the stunning coloring that litters the pages of this entire issue.

Darth Vader (2020) #25 has a few gorgeous covers with the main one coming from artist Paul Renaud—showing off a cool and powerful Vader in the background along with Ochi and Sabé trudging through a sand storm. The first variant cover by Rod Reis finds the Dark Lord himself powering through the same aforementioned sand storm, giving off gorgeous cinematic vibes. The second variant cover is a Choose Your Destiny one from the always exciting trio of Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Neeraj Menon depicting the menacing Darth Krall, a member of the Lost Twenty from the High Republic era and his gorgeous lightsaber.

Darth Vader (2020) #25 shows just how far the Dark Lord is willing to go to get exactly what he wants. Battling droids, Imperial governors, and even sand storms, Vader will stop at nothing to take out Crimson Dawn. So fire up your TIE fighters and make sure nothing stops you from picking up this issue from your local comic shop today!